A Reputation Like Timothy’s Philippians 2:19-24 Introduction In Philippians 2:19-24, Paul told the church in Philippi he would send them Timothy. 1:3-8 – Paul was in prison for preaching the gospel. He had great affection for them, but could not come to them because of his current state. 1:21-26 – His life was threatened, but he had confidence in the Lord that he would be able to endure and see them again. (He longed to be with Christ, but understood the Philippians needs, thus wanted to be able to return to them.) 1:12-14 – It is obvious that the Philippians worried about Paul, and his work. They thought his imprisonment might burden him and his work in the gospel. Paul assured them it actually helped the gospel effort. In order to ease their worry and encourage them, he wished to send Timothy with word of his state – 2:19 – “that I also may be encouraged when I know your sate.” (“I also” – implies he was doing the same for them.) This he would do, “as soon as I see how it goes with me” (2:23). Likely wanted to wait to see what the verdict concerning his imprisonment was. The apostle did not arbitrarily choose Timothy, but had good reasons. He lists a few things about Timothy, explaining that he is a fit candidate to carry out what Paul needed to be done. These three points made by Paul about Timothy show he had a good reputation. We would do well to consider the things spoken about Timothy. If we possess the same type of reputation which Timothy had, we will be doing well in the service of our God.  Philippians 2:19-24

Sincere Concern For The Brethren (v. 20) Timothy’s Reputation Sincere Concern For The Brethren (v. 20) – Acts 16; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Gal. 6:1-2, 10 – Timothy’s Reputation Sincere Concern For The Brethren (v. 20) “no one like-minded” – No one that possessed the same mindset Paul had for the Philippians. Acts 16:1, 3 – Timothy was with Paul as he went about preaching. Acts 16:6-12 – Paul received the Macedonian call to preach the gospel. He immediately went, which shows already his concern for the Philippians. Paul had a great concern for mankind in general. Everyone needs the gospel. Lydia – a woman who sold purple heard the gospel and she and her household were baptized. 16:15 – Provided them a place to stay. She wished to contribute to the gospel effort through her hospitality. Jailer – Being imprisoned, Paul was able to convert a jailer. Earthquake opened doors. Jailer thought prisoners escaped, and was about to kill himself. Paul stopped him, and he asked what to do to be saved. 16:31-34 – Like Lydia, the jailer was hospitable to Paul after obeying the gospel. Philippians 4:10 – The Philippian brethren were continually helpful to Paul in these ways. As they strived together in the work of the gospel their affection for each other grew. Timothy was present for much of this, and as such had equal concern for them. We must care for the state of the brethren. 1 Peter 1:22-23 – When we obey the gospel we join in fellowship with others who have obeyed the gospel. We have been created to love the brethren. Galatians 6:1-2, 10 – This love and concern should manifest itself in action. Paul had a confidence that Timothy would care for the brethren. He knew he would help them, and do good to them, so they would grow in the faith. Interest In Things Of Christ (v. 21)

Timothy’s Reputation Sincere Concern For The Brethren (v. 20) – Acts 16; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Gal. 6:1-2, 10 – Interest In Things Of Christ (v. 21) – Philippians 1:14-18; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 26:42 – Interest In Things Of Christ (v. 21) “for all seek their own” – all who were available to be sent, except Timothy, were self-seeking. Philippians 2:25-26, 30 – Epaphroditus obviously excluded from the thought. He cared for the Philippians. He looked after the things of Christ. 1:14-18 – Paul’s imprisonment encouraged brethren to preach. Some preached from “envy and strife.” They were jealous of Paul’s success, and by some way, were attempting to hurt him through their preaching. They were preaching the truth, but not sincerely. Timothy was sincere in his work for the Lord. 2 Timothy 1:5 – Timothy had a “genuine faith.” (It did not have ulterior selfish motives.) 2 Timothy 3:14-15 – Paul instructed Timothy to continue his sincere growth in Christ. We, as Timothy, must seek the things of Christ. Colossians 3:1-4 – When there are ulterior motives, our minds aren’t seeking things above, but things on the earth. We have dedicated our lives to the things of Christ as Christians. Matthew 26:42 – Jesus was truly seeking the things of His Father. “When the advantage of the kingdom of Christ is consulted by most persons, it is generally done in the way of a safe or secure expediency. When some sacrifice must be made, the man does not fight, but flees, and excuses himself with the hope of fighting at another time” (Bengel 138). [Walton Weaver, Edited by Mike Willis. Truth Commentary - Philippians and Colossians (Kindle Locations 3053-3055). Guardian of Truth Foundation.] We must not be self-seeking! Proven To Be A Diligent Worker (v. 22)

Timothy’s Reputation Sincere Concern For The Brethren (v. 20) – Acts 16; 1 Peter 1:22-23; Gal. 6:1-2, 10 – Interest In Things Of Christ (v. 21) – Philippians 1:14-18; 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15; Colossians 3:1-4; Matthew 26:42 – Proven As A Diligent Worker (v. 22) – 1 Timothy 4:12-13, 15; 2 Timothy 1:8-9, 13; 3:10-11; 2:15 – Proven To Be A Diligent Worker (v. 22) Proven character – They were not ignorant of the things Paul was saying. Timothy was with Paul when in Philippi. His faithfulness showed. 1 Timothy 4:12, 13, 15 – Paul instructed him to make his progress evident. He certainly did, and had done in the past. Served with Paul like a son. Note: not served under Paul, or served Paul, but “served with [Paul] in the gospel.” A reference to their close relationship, and the diligence Timothy displayed in being faithful like Paul. “To Timothy, a true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). “To Timothy, a beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2). 2 Timothy 1:8-9, 13 – Paul urged Timothy to share with him. (Timothy loved Paul like a son, and wished to imitate him, as a true son would do his father.) 2 Timothy 3:10-11 – Timothy followed Paul’s great example of diligence and faith. We must have the same diligence, endurance, and faith that Timothy had while following in Paul’s footsteps. Timothy, as a true son would do, wanted to show himself to be a good worker before Paul. 2 Timothy 2:15 – More than that, Timothy’s diligence was to be approved to God. (We must make the same effort!) We should seek to emulate Timothy’s character. Thus, gaining our own reputation as diligent and faithful workers of God.

A Reputation Like Timothy’s Conclusion The apostle Paul had great confidence in Timothy, which is why he wanted to send him to Philippi. The reason Paul had such confidence was because of Timothy’s continued ability to prove his faithfulness. We, like Timothy, must maintain a good reputation. We must love, and have a sincere concern for the brethren. We must be interested in the things of the Lord. We must be diligent as workers in God’s kingdom. Philippians 2:19-24